By Otsile Kadiege

One of Toyota South Africa’s best-selling models is the locally produced Corolla Cross. The Corolla Cross range now features convenience specification upgrade for the Xi & Xs model derivatives. Customers who are eyeing for the sporty Corolla Cross GR-S now features the hybrid powertrain.

Corolla Cross GR-S hybrid exterior styling

Outside, the GR-S model sets itself apart from the rest of the range with bespoke exterior styling. These include a revised front grille design finished in gloss black, gloss black lower apron with the signature ‘GR Mesh’, vertical air ducts which incorporate compact fog lamp units, strong horizontal cross bar and large Toyota insignia.

In profile, the Corolla Cross GR-S features black exterior mirrors paired with a black roof and black roof rails to craft a sporty bi-tone design. The rear employs a black roof spoiler, black tailgate trim and blacked-out rear diffuser as well as a GR badge affixed to the rear.

Three exterior colours are offered, which match the GR brand colours: Arizona Red Bi-Tone, Chromium Silver Bi-Tone and Glacier White Bi-Tone.

Corolla Cross GR-S hybrid interior styling

Inside, the Corolla Cross GR-S features black leather trim throughout with GR embossing on the front headrests, red contrast stitching and red perforation, red accent stripe on the instrument panel and piano black surface detailing, and a chunky 3-spoke steering wheel with red stitching and piano black inserts.

Specification changes and enhancements

The convenience specification on the Xi and Xs Corolla Cross models (both Petrol and Hybrid variants) have been increased – in line with customer feedback. Outside, the Xi models receive an upgrade to LED headlamps (previously Halogen), hybrid models get blue headlamp inserts conveying their hybrid credentials. Inside, the said model grade gets an 8-inch touch display audio system with 6-speakers, a reverse camera, a revised speedometer design and a full 4.2-inch TFT Multi-Information Display (MID). The xS models get a front armrest added with cup holder functionality.

Corolla Cross GR-S sepcification and features

Using the Xr grade as a base, the standard specification for the GR-S model includes: keyless entry, power-adjustable and auto-retractable exterior mirrors, all-round one-touch power windows, LED lighting units, Cruise Control, TFT Multi-Information Display (MID), dual-zone climate control, reverse camera, Park Distance Control (PDC), rain-sensing wipers, LED interior Illumination and a touchscreen infotainment system with CarPlay/Android Auto and USB ports.

Safety & Security

The Corolla Cross GR-S is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which offers a full suite of active safety aids including Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Lane Trace Assist (LTA) and Pre-Collision System (PCS). These are joined by the obligatory ABS, VSC, EBD, Hill Assist Control (HAC) and Brake Assist systems, as well as passive safety aids such as ISOFIX and a full airbag array.

Performance

Powering the Corolla Cross GR-S Hybrid is a 1.8-litre 2ZR-FXE Atkinson cycle petrol engine. It’s paired to a CVT transmission with seven pre-programmed ‘steps’ and a ‘manual’ mode. The engine develops a total system output of 90 kW, with the electric motor offering up to 53 kW and 163 Nm. Toyota claims the GR-S Hybrid has an average fuel-consumption of 4.3l/100 km.

Under the skin changes comprise new shock absorbers and revised coil springs supplemented by a new brushless-motor power steering module (EPS) – to deliver more responsive handling, steering wheel feedback and cornering prowess and unique 18-inch black alloy wheels shod with 225/50R18 tyres.

Model line-up, pricing and warranty

Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi CVT – R381,200

Corolla Cross 1.8 XS CVT – R414,300

Corolla Cross 1.8 XR CVT – R451,300

Corolla Cross 1.8 XS HEV – R442,800

Corolla Cross 1.8 XR HEV – R480,200

Corolla Cross 1.8 CVT GR-S – R466,800

Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV GR-S – R495,200

All Corolla Cross models are sold with a 6-services/90 000 km service plan (intervals set at 15 000 km) and 3-year/100 000 km warranty. The Hybrid battery carries an 8-year/195 000 km warranty provision. Service and warranty plan extensions can also be purchased from any Toyota dealer (220 outlets).